Volunteers Needed to Teach at 2009 People's Law School

The YLD is now accepting applications from young lawyers to teach the following classes at this year's People's Law School (PLS): family law and custody, small claims and landlord/tenant court, consumer credit (including debt collection, identity theft, credit reports, utility issues), real estate (including foreclosures, predatory lending, actions to quiet title), bankruptcy, employment law, workers' compensation, social security and disability, elder law, personal injury, and criminal law.

The PLS is a six-week adult education course, beginning in September, that offers non-lawyers basic information about areas of the law that affect people's daily lives. If you are interested in teaching, please email your resume or information about your practice areas to Stephanie Mensing.

Bar Assoc. Unveils New Online Resource for "Lawyers in Transition"

The Philadelphia Bar Association is seeking to help lawyers that have been laid off or otherwise impacted by this difficult economy through the creation of a new website called "Lawyers in Transition." You can access the site directly at www.PhillyLawyersinTransition.org or via the Member Center page of Bar Association's website.



This new site is primarily designed as a one-stop resource center where lawyers who've been recently laid off can learn about key programs (anything to do with marketing, networking, socializing, job hunting, getting started, etc.) and other resources (both at the Bar Association and other places, like the ABA). They can also connect to one another, since the site features a blog with lawyers as the writer/contributors, along with a forum for discussion between members.



We wanted you to be aware of this new resource for two reasons:

 1. Tell people about the site, for it's an excellent resource
; 2. Tell us about programs or events that might be of interest to this audience.



You will continue to work with Dawn Petit to promote news about your programs and events via the list serves. But if your program is of particular interest to someone recently laid off or looking for work, then please bring it to the attention of Martha Phan, director of Communications and Marketing, at mphan@philabar.org or Wes Terry, Web Manager, at wterry@philabar.org.


Lawyers in Transition CLE, TOMORROW, May 13

Tomorrow, May 13, from 1-4:40 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Philadelphia Bar Association Law Practice Management Division is sponsoring "Lawyers in Transition," a 2.5 CLE-credit program meant to assist lawyers who are either looking for employment or are considering ways to further their legal careers during the economic downturm. The program will also assist those who counsel lawyers on how they can find employment and continue to practice law in the interim.

If you are seeking a job, you will get advice about what steps to take, how to practice on your own if you decide to do so, how to market yourself, and the ethical considerations about which you need to be aware. This program will also provide an opportunity to network. If you are looking for others with whom you may want to practice or planning to hire lawyers, this course will help you meet them.

Join us and learn how you can help yourself and others who have been affected by the difficult economy in which we currently find ourselves.

Faculty: Daniel J. Siegel, Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel, LLC; Mary Platt, Montgomery, McCraken, Walker & Rhoads LLP; Ellen Freedman, Law Practice Management Coordinator; Kenneth Hagreen, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc.; Shelly Lawson, Director, Bar Assn. Programs, USI Colburn Insurance Service; Elizabeth Lloyd, Ajilon Professional Staffing; Susan G. Manch, Shannon & Manch, LLP; Barbara S. Rosenberg; and Gina Furia Rubel, Furia Rubel Communications, Inc.

Special Note: In furtherance of PBI's goal of assisting attorneys who find themselves in transition and are looking for work during these difficult times, PBI is pleased to offer this program at a substantially reduced fee. In addition to the reduced fee, those who cannot afford to pay for the seminar may attend at no cost. PBI will not require verification for this opportunity; you simply need to check the box appropriate to you.

Learn more and register here

Comedy Night 2009 A Great Success

On Saturday, May 9, approximately 200 young lawyers and friends gathered together at the Franklin Institute for great comedy, delicious food and drinks, and a silent auction and raffle benefiting the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. The event marked the YLD's Fourth Annual Comedy Night, and by all accounts, fun was had by all.

Opening act William Chiang - who, the crowd eventually learned, has a Ph.D in Chemistry from Princeton University - warmed everyone up with observations on growing up Asian in America. He was followed by headliner Gerry Dee who mixed his usual comedy routine with humorous remarks based on young lawyers in attendance. Those who fell victim to Dee's ribbings did so good-naturedly and laughs were loud and often.

The event ended with the silent auction winners excitedly picking up their coveted items. All in all, the money raised and the good times had will surely make every attendee look forward to the event's fifth anniversary in 2010. Much thanks to YLD Chair Brian Chacker and Chair-Elect Abbie DuFrayne for all their hard work, as well as all other YLD members and Bar Association staff who had a hand in coordinating this year's event. It was well worth it!

Calling On Firms to Help With Legal Line Program

The Legal Line program - in which volunteer attorneys staff a phone bank and provide legal help to callers - needs support. Law firms can help by adopting a Legal Line session, held at 5PM every third Wednesday of the month at the LRIS offices.

The firm would only need to staff the event with licensed attorneys and the cost is nothing. Alternatively, or in conjunction, the night could be a theme night, like family law or elder law. The sponsoring firm would get publicity in all promotional materials for the given Legal Line session. Please contact Roxane Crowley for more information.

Juror Appreciation Day this Thursday, May 14

Before prospective jurors begin their day of service at the Criminal Justice Center, they will hear remarks acknowledging their commitment to their civic duty from Phillies Vice President of Administration and Operations (and former Court of Common Pleas sudge and U.S. Attorney) Michael Stiles. The Phillie Phanatic and Mayor Michael C. Nutter will also celebrate the jurors.

Juror Appreciation Day is part of the statewide celebration of juries and jurors in May. For more information, visit pmconline.org.

Bar Night at the Phillies June 17

Join your colleagues and friends at Bar Association Night at the Phillies on Wednesday, June 17 as the World Series champion Phils take on the Toronto Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $28 and can be ordered by clicking here.

Seating (subject to availability) with fellow Philadelphia Bar Association supporters will be located on the Field Level Outfield (Sections 145 - 148). There is a special $2 discount off the cost of these tickets. To order your tickets for this special event, click here and enter the promotion code BAR.